Alabama Physician Pleads Guilty To Drug Distribution Charges

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A family medicine physician pleaded guilty today to drug distribution charges, stemming from prescribing opioid drugs from a medical clinic she operated in Alabama.

Dr. Celia Lloyd-Turney, 66, of Toney, Alabama, who operated Choice Medicine Clinic, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 8 before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke of the Northern District of Alabama.

“Turney operated a family medicine clinic, mass-prescribing opioids without medical justification and taking advantage of patients, many of whom are addicted to opioids, with no regard to the larger pain brought to those individuals, families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Town. “After the government had rested its case, and faced with the mountain of evidence presented against her, Dr. Turney didn’t wait for the verdict. She pleaded guilty, which is the strongest form of proof in our system. I am grateful to the trial team, Main Justice Criminal Fraud Section, Criminal Division AAG Brian Benczkowski, and the entire ARPO Strike Force team for their efforts in this case. The citizens of Alabama are safer as a result and the message is clear to medical providers who over-prescribe opioids: the white coat is no shield to federal prosecution.”

"Prescription drug abuse remains a significant problem in this country that destroys countless lives. DEA is fully committed to the pursuit of any individual who abandons their oath as a medical practitioner,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said. “DEA will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners, the medical community and the public to identify and stop those responsible for endangering lives in our communities and bring them to justice.”

The plea came after a trial while the jury was deliberating, but before they reached a verdict. At trial, evidence showed that from 2015 to 2017, Turney wrote multiple prescriptions for controlled substances to purported patients who were actively abusing other drugs, suffering from addiction, and selling the pills.

Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.